HOMELESSNESS IS RARELY A CHOICE

There is a misconception about homelessness being a matter of 'personal choice.'

In Metro Denver Homeless Initiative's recent Point in Time and Homeless Management Information System data, 91% and 94% of respondents did not choose to experience homelessness, respectively. It is important to note that respondents were allowed to select multiple reasons or factors they felt contributed to their homelessness. So while some indicated that 'Client Choice' was a factor, this does not necessarily mean that it was the sole or primary cause of their homelessness.

Homelessness may have been the safer option. There are many reasons people do not trust the system, especially those who have been historically harmed by it. If rent were more affordable, higher wages were more attainable, and family units were more stable, fewer people would have to experience homelessness.